The move follows the controversial launch of rival Uber in Toronto a few years ago, which saw protests by taxi drivers.

Toronto city council introduced rules to allow the service to operate legally last year.

Uber also has been embroiled in a fight in Quebec over the province’s rules for ride-hailing services.

In September, the province announced it would renew a pilot project agreement for one more year, but added new provisions that included 35 hours of mandatory training, police background checks and a vehicle inspection every year.

Uber has argued the 35-hour provision hurts the firm’s model of employing part-time and casual workers, who couldn’t even try the service without the training.